Dennis Atkinson

MEMORIAL SERVICE : 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.GATHERING OF REMEMBRANCE : 6-8:00 P.M. on Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday.INTERMENT : Menahga City Cemetery, Menahga, MNSURVIVORS : His wife, Debbie; daughter, Mary Katherine; son, Daniel; stepson, Jason (Becca) Talbert; grandchildren, Demetrius Atkinson, Benjamin and Shelby Garcelon and Dayton and Gavin Talbert; brother, Jerry Atkinson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Sandy Ritola, David and Joan Demmon, Spencer and Susan Davidson and his ever faithful best buddy, Samantha. DENNIS WILLIAM ATKINSONFebruary 12, 1941 " March 30, 2013 Dennis William Atkinson, 72, of Park Rapids, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side, on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at St. Mary"s Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes. Dennis was born February 12, 1941 to Gladys Irene (Broberg) and Ray William Atkinson in Minneapolis. In 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served a combined time of 20 years. During the Vietnam conflict, he received the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm that was awarded for personal accomplished deeds of valor or displaying heroic conduct while fighting an enemy force, along with other service medals. He also served an additional 7 years in the Army National Guard. In 1969, Dennis received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business, and in 1972 graduated as a Master Conservationist. Dennis married Katherine Stegner on June 1, 1974. They adopted two children: Mary Katherine and Daniel. Katherine passed away in 1998. Both his daughter and son reside in Arizona. Dennis vacationed throughout the years numerous times at Ice Cracking Lodge near Park Rapids. There he could combine his favorite hobbies of fishing and golfing along with his love of nature. In 2001, he returned to Park Rapids and was employed at L&M Fleet Supply, where he met Debbie Ritola Morris. On April 3, 2004, Dennis and Debbie were joined in marriage. In 2005, Dennis was diagnosed with Alzheimer"s. Due to the progression of the disease, he moved to a care facility in Twin Valley in late December of 2010. In May of 2011, he moved to Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes where he resided until his death. He will always be remembered as a kind, gentle, loving man who had a wonderful sense of humor. Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; daughter, Mary Katherine; son, Daniel; stepson, Jason (Becca) Talbert; grandchildren, Demetrius Atkinson, Benjamin and Shelby Garcelon and Dayton and Gavin Talbert; brother, Jerry Atkinson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Sandy Ritola, David and Joan Demmon, Spencer and Susan Davidson and his ever faithful best buddy, Samantha. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. A Gathering of Remembrance will be held from 6-8:00 P.M. on Friday, April 5, 2013, at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Following the service, a light meal will be served at the Park Rapids Assembly of God Church.